Latest news with #PensionAgeDisabilityPayment
The Herald Scotland
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How private firms are siphoning money from social security
Such firms offer services such as filling in claim forms and medical questionnaires, communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and preparation for tribunals. Read More: Often targeted by social media advertising, people are paying up to £400 plus VAT per successful application for things like the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) and the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Companies are deducting as much as 10% from ongoing monthly payments, potentially earning up to thousands of pounds over years. CAS offers free advice to those in need of social security, helping close to 192,000 people in 2023-24. David Hilferty, director of impact at Citizens Advice Scotland said: "This is a pernicious practice – profiteering from people who need support most. "It is the very worst kind of innovation and opportunism, clearly undermining the policy intent of these payments to provide vital financial support to those who need it most. "Expert, impartial, and confidential advice should be free of charge to everyone who needs it in Scotland. "
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Two DWP payments could boost pensioners' incomes by £10,040 a year
Millions of elderly people across the UK could potentially increase their income by over £10,000 annually. A significant number of the 13 million pensioners nationwide may be unaware that they could be eligible for two distinct benefits, collectively amounting to as much as £10,040 throughout the 2025/26 tax year. One of these benefits is not means-tested and is intended to support older people with long-term health conditions, while the other provides extra financial aid to those on a low income. As highlighted by the Daily Record, Pension Credit aims to help those above State Pension age on a low income by boosting their yearly income by an average of £4,300. On the other hand, Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can provide additional financial support of up to £441.60 each month - totalling approximately £5,740.80 annually. Both these payments are issued separately from the State Pension, which is currently valued at up to £230.25 per week, or £921 every four-week payment period. The full, New State Pension will be worth £11,973 this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 760,000 individuals qualify for Pension Credit but are not claiming this income-related benefit. Similarly, it's estimated that more than one million pensioners are eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is not affected by income or savings, is tax-free and is not considered as income when applying for Pension Credit. Pensioners in Scotland are now eligible to apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment, which is set to replace the Attendance Allowance in the region. Comprehensive information can be found on here. Pension Credit Currently, Pension Credit is aiding 1.4 million people. It boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. On average, it equates to £4,300 this year. If you're a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £227.10, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income less than £346.60, you could qualify for Pension Credit. Even a modest award of £1 per week can unlock further financial support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26, or the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland. Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator available on here. Alternatively, pensioners can directly ring the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Attendance Allowance At present, Attendance Allowance supports nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals across Great Britain, with the additional daily living expenses linked to having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. It's important to note that you can apply for this benefit even if you don't have a carer. Eligible individuals over the State Pension age receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week through Attendance Allowance. As this benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle - a total of roughly £5,740.80 throughout the 2025/26 financial year. If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or at certain times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving such assistance - you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. This could include: Help with personal care - such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet Assistance to ensure your safety You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for example, if they take a lot of time, cause discomfort, or require physical support, like leaning on a chair. It's worth noting that Attendance Allowance isn't just for those with a physical disability or illness. You should also contemplate applying if you necessitate help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners can boost annual income by over £10,000 through two benefits
Older people on a low income or living with a long-term health condition could be due extra financial help on top of their State Pension. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Many of the 13 million pensioners across the UK may not be aware they could be eligible for two separate benefits, worth a combined total of up to £10,040 over the 2025/26 financial year. One of the benefits is not means-tested and aims to help older people with long-term health conditions while the other can provide extra financial support to those on a low income. Pension Credit helps those over State Pension age on a low income by boosting annual income by an average of £4,300, while Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can provide additional financial support of up to £441.60 every month - some £5,740.80 each year. Both these payments are paid separately from the State Pension, which is now worth up to £230.25 each week, or £921 every four-week payment period. The full, New State Pension will be worth £11,973 this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates 760,000 are eligible for Pension Credit and not claiming the income-related benefit. Similarly, over one million pensioners are believed to be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is not affected by income or savings, is tax-free and is not counted as income when it comes to claiming Pension Credit. Pensioners in Scotland can now claim Pension Age Disability Payment - the benefit replacing Attendance Allowance north of the border. Full details can be found on here. Pension Credit in a nutshell Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million people, including 125,000 living in Scotland. It tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is worth on average £4,300 this year. If you are a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £227.10, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock access to other financial support, including the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland. Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. Attendance Allowance in a nutshell The information below is also relevant to Pension Age Disability Payment, the only difference is how to claim. All devolved benefits and payments are administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. Attendance Allowance currently helps nearly 1.7 million older people across Great Britain including 150,000 living in Scotland with the extra daily living costs of having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim. People over State Pension age claiming Attendance Allowance receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. As the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every payment period - some £5,740.80 over the 2025/26 financial year. Who can claim? You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don't currently get that help. This might include: Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet Help to stay safe You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits you're already claiming. You can also claim it if you're still working and earning money. How to make a claim You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here.
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Older people with eyesight issues could be due up to £441 extra every month
Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment can provide financial support for people who are severely short-sighted or have eye conditions. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. Over 58,900 working age adults under 65 are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while more than 50,000 people over State Pension age are getting regular payments through Attendance Allowance. It's important for people over 66 in Scotland to be aware they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must apply for a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65 with around 8,000 people of working age registered blind or partially sighted. For adults who lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel they are no longer able to enjoy some of the activities they love to do, such as driving, taking part in sports, reading and cooking. Mobility can also be affected and with that may come independence and travel issues, although it's important to be aware that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It currently provides extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 149,997 living in Scotland. Pension Age Disability Payment is now supporting 1,875 older people in Scotland. Both benefits are designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. Older people claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions The latest DWP figures show that in August 2024 there were 50,993 people receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'. This overall figure includes claimants in: Scotland: 4,654 England: 42,934 Wales: 4,654 Living Abroad: 149 Total: 50,993 Common eye conditions affecting older people There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, these include: Cataract Myopia (short-sightedness) Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry (also referred to as age-related MD) Glaucoma Retinitis Pigmentosa Retina and optic nerve - other diseases of / type not known Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes) If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even really high myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Sight loss conditions These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn't mean it's not supported. Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus - Other diseases of / type not known Corneal ulceration Entropion Herpes zoster - ophthalmic Keratitis Keratoconus Orbital cellulitis Ptosis Scleritis Uveitis Anterior Uveitis (iritis) Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known Posterior (choroiditis) Glaucoma Visual injuries to the eye Vitreous disease Posterior vitreous detachment Vitreous disease - Other / type not known Vitreous haemorrhage Diseases of the retina and optic nerve Diabetic retinopathy Hypertensive retinopathy Macular degeneration Optic atrophy Optic neuritis Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known Retinal artery occlusion Retinal detachment Retinal vein occlusion Retinitis Pigmentosa Retinopathy - Other / type not known Cataract Refractive errors Astigmatism Hypermetropia (long-sighted) Myopia (short-sighted) Presbyopia Refractive errors - Other / type not known Disorders of eye movement Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known Nystagmus Strabismus (Squint) Visual field defects Amblyopia Cortical blindness Diplopia (double vision) Hemianopia Quadrantanopia Scotoma Tunnel vision Visual field defects - Other / type not known Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the website here. Full details about Pension Age Disability Payment can be found here. What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim. Who can make a claim? You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This might include: Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet Help to stay safe You should also consider applying if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could get either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Can I claim even if I have savings and other income? Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. It's tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension? No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money. How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits? The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: Extra Pension Credit Housing Benefit Reduction Council Tax Reduction How do I make a claim? You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying. If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here. What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age? If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away. If you claim PIP and get it, the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you. Find out more about claiming PIP on the website here. Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance? You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland - full details here. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in six days
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 receiving Pension Age Disability Payments (PADP), the new devolved benefit that has now replaced all claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this week could receive a letter or an email before next weekend. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions. It's important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Visual Disorders and Diseases Hearing Disorders Heart Disease Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.
